-32 degrees actual temperature is not too cold - see pictures

[Mrs. K]

Yes, Fahrenheit. -32 F = -35.5 C

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

Many bantams do quite well in the cold. It mainly depends on breed. I can only say that my bantam flock (mostly Seramas) gets extra winter care because they aren’t cold-hardy (but, I was well-aware of that when I began raising them and was prepared). If your 2 bantams aren’t shivering and seem well-acclimated, then they’re probably fine. Maybe just put some extra bedding in their corner and make sure they’re getting enough food and water. And, if you’re still concerned (and I’d completely understand that), pick them up and feel if they’re shivering. Feel under their wings. If it feels really warm, then they’re probably fine. I go out of my way to keep my micro flock warm, but thats just ME being a worrier. Ultimately, do what YOU feel is best for them.

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful reply! I put extra bedding in the corner baskets, and gave extra food and water as well. Tomorrow is also supposed to be especially cold, so I will check their behavior and also temp under wings. And I might pop down and check for shivering during the night. The weather is supposed to get down to 17 tonight and tomorrow, which, although not as cold as what many deal with, is unusual for our area. As you can tell, I tend to worry about my flock as well!

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

-1 F high today(while the sun was up, temp rose once it went up) and one Nugget (Buff Orpington) was debating on attempting the snow lol we had to block our south side from the wind otherwise it's open. I did however see some foot prints lol

 

[WoDia]

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful reply! I put extra bedding in the corner baskets, and gave extra food and water as well. Tomorrow is also supposed to be especially cold, so I will check their behavior and also temp under wings. And I might pop down and check for shivering during the night. The weather is supposed to get down to 17 tonight and tomorrow, which, although not as cold as what many deal with, is unusual for our area. As you can tell, I tend to worry about my flock as well!

You’re very welcome! The way I see it is that YOU know what’s best for your flock. Many people don’t worry about frigid temperatures, many do. I worry (mainly about individual birds- some are molting, some are old), so I moved them to a warmer area. After the freeze passes, I’ll begin to transition them back. I’m really glad to hear that you’re littlest ones are doing fine. Please keep updating, because I’d like to hear how they’re doing.

 

[StinkyAcres]

The sun porches are a great idea!! Just today I was standing in the warm sun coming through my french door window and thinking how can I use glass to create a warmer place for the ducks. If I find some old windows, etc., I will definitely build one of these! Thanks for posting!

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

You’re very welcome! The way I see it is that YOU know what’s best for your flock. Many people don’t worry about frigid temperatures, many do. I worry (mainly about individual birds- some are molting, some are old), so I moved them to a warmer area. After the freeze passes, I’ll begin to transition them back. I’m really glad to hear that your littlest ones are doing fine. Please keep updating, because I’d like to hear how they’re doing.

Thank you, and I agree! They spent most of the day huddled under the coop and wouldn’t leave the run. My husband and I just set up a smaller coop in our garage so if needed we can move the two little bantams in. I just got in from cleaning the outdoor coop and putting down deep shavings. Tacked some plastic bags over the windows. It’s 20 degrees inside the coop now, but temps will drop. i am soaking my feet in warm water before heading back down to give them some treats I’d love to know how you set up your coop and run to protect from the cold. This is the first time we’ve had ice and snow here since I got chickens!

 

[WoDia]

Thank you, and I agree! They spent most of the day huddled under the coop and wouldn’t leave the run. My husband and I just set up a smaller coop in our garage so if needed we can move the two little bantams in. I just got in from cleaning the outdoor coop and putting down deep shavings. Tacked some plastic bags over the windows. It’s 20 degrees inside the coop now, but temps will drop. i am soaking my feet in warm water before heading back down to give them some treats I’d love to know how you set up your coop and run to protect from the cold. This is the first time we’ve had ice and snow here since I got chickens!

I’m so glad your two little ones are doing good. It really sounds like you’ve done everything to keep your flock as comfortable as possible. To prepare for the freeze, I plugged in and turned on the flat panel heaters (my birds love them) and heated waterers. I also made sure that there were no drafts but high open ventilation. I do deep litter, so I turned it and added straw to the areas where the chickens and turkeys like to lay. And, I refreshed the nesting boxes. The runs are blocked with thick plastic to keep any wind off of them. I gave them a little scratch this evening, and they’ll get plain warm oatmeal (with chopped fruit and veggies) when I check on them at 6a. To be honest, I’ll be heading outside around 11p to do a check before bed. It’s already down to 7 degrees and windchill is supposed to be -15. Let me know how its going.

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

I’m so glad your two little ones are doing good. It really sounds like you’ve done everything to keep your flock as comfortable as possible. To prepare for the freeze, I plugged in and turned on the flat panel heaters (my birds love them) and heated waterers. I also made sure that there were no drafts but high open ventilation. I do deep litter, so I turned it and added straw to the areas where the chickens and turkeys like to lay. And, I refreshed the nesting boxes. The runs are blocked with thick plastic to keep any wind off of them. I gave them a little scratch this evening, and they’ll get plain warm oatmeal (with chopped fruit and veggies) when I check on them at 6a. To be honest, I’ll be heading outside around 11p to do a check before bed. It’s already down to 7 degrees and windchill is supposed to be -15. Let me know how its going.

Thank you so much for the info! I might try to order some panel heaters. And will head to store tomorrow to get thicker plastic. I am keeping a watch on them through the coop cam, and the thermometer in coop still reading 20. 7 degrees and -15 sound just awful…stay safe out in the cold!

 

[WoDia]

Thank you so much for the info! I might try to order some panel heaters. And will head to store tomorrow to get thicker plastic. I am keeping a watch on them through the coop cam, and the thermometer in coop still reading 20. 7 degrees and -15 sound just awful…stay safe out in the cold!

Thank you! Stay safe as well. I really really don’t like using any heat that’s a fire risk (like the heat bulbs), but I’m a chicken mama that worries about her flock. So, I researched the flat-panel radiant heaters, liked what I read, and now I have 2 in each of the main buildings for my standard chickens and turkeys. And, I have 2 in the quail building. The good things about them: energy efficient, safer option, and they only heat the immediate area around the panels, so the chickens can decide if they want to cozy up to them or not. The Serama/bantam building has a wall-mounted heater with auto temperature control and overheat automatic shutoff protection (I clean the filter 2+ times a day). That building stays at 40+ degrees. Let me know what you decided about the panels.

 

[K0k0shka]

It takes mine longer to muster up the courage to venture outside when it's very cold, but they eventually do (as long as there's no snow on the ground). This morning it was 17, so downright warm compared to your negatives, but they spent the morning pouting in their coop. By noontime it was a balmy 25, so they finally went outside.